Main Street ICE Protest

Photos and words by Sean Rayford

Christine Simmons leads a chant during a protest outside 1441 Main St. in Columbia, SC. All photos made Feb. 19, 2026.

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 19: “It’s just a coordinated effort to keep some pressure on—to let our elected officials know that as a community, we do not want ICE facilities in our downtown,” said Christine Simmons, a human resources consultant in the capital city.

On Thursday, the former mayoral candidate for Arcadia Lakes and founder of Soda City Dems led a small noon hour protest against a new ICE facility at 1441 Main St. She started getting active in her community about 18 months ago.

Despite the challenges with a daytime midweek protest, Simmons said it was important to share their message with those working and living downtown.

As Simmons led chants outside the prominent office building, home to Wells Fargo and across the street from the Columbia Museum of Art, Midlands resident Kayla Campbell inflated helium balloons in a streetside parking spot. “We're out here handing out balloons that say love is free,” said Simmons.

“And we don't have to get violent to be able to not agree with each other. And that's kind of what this is all about,” she said, before helping a young man into an inflatable ‘not so bad’ bunny costume.

Kayla Campbell